OUR CORRESPONDENT
KOKRAJHAR, May 15: The Centre for Environment Education, a centre of excellence under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India, conducted a nature orientation camp at Jarnagra, Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary in Kokrajhar recently with the support of the Forest and Tourism Department, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).
In the first batch, 48 students and six teachers participated from Dotma HS School, Kokrajhar Government HS and MP School, Don Bosco, Girls’ HS School of Kokrajhar. Along with outbound sessions of nature trekking, bird watching, rock climbing and zip line activities, participants were involved in environmental games and group activities.
Rajendra Singh Jadeja and Pradeep Boro of Sundarvan Camp Programme, CEE, coordinated the outbound sessions, engaging the participants in study of flora and fauna of Chakrashila, around wetlands (Dheer Beel), mountain trails and forest habitats. Apart from observing the endangered Golden Langur in its natural habitat, participants interacted with Mislu Boro, in-charge of Charaikhola Range, Dr. Rinku Deka, Veterinary Officer, Gossaigaon subdivision and MVS veterinarian Dr Daoharu Boro of WTI Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, who showed them live demonstrations with rescued reptiles and primates of the sanctuary.
Prominent environmentalist Mridu Paban Phukan, who has been associated with Chakrashila WLS since its initial years of recognition, introduced participants to the unique biodiversity of the sanctuary. After two nights and three days of camping, the young campers, having experienced nature in its pristine beauty, promised to return on every given opportunity to save, care and conserve the sanctuary and keep its surrounding wetlands clean and green.